OK. If the lead in didn't scare you off, you must really be serious about a quality paint job for your case. Though I am asked constantly about case painting, the subject of spray painting is so broad, with so many methods and variables, that covering it completely is virtually impossible. The fact that a good portion of the process of spray painting is a physical act that blends hand movement with input from your eyes into what could be easily called "the magic touch" makes it that much harder to describe with "mere words".

I have been contemplating this guide for a few years—as there are already several decent articles out there—but if I couldn't make a better one, well, what's the point? Painting your case can be a fun and rewarding experience without question, but reading a guide on the subject, no mater how well it's done, is never going to be a “couldn't put it down” read. That being said, I guess my reward (and yours for reading) will be a paint job that makes you puff out your chest and say, “Why thank you, and yes—yes I did paint it myself.”

I originally contemplated the atypical linear approach for this article of just painting a case and documenting the process. I wrote it that way, wrote it a second time-- then came to the conclusion that I owed you a better, more informative article than that approach could provide. If you had the exact same case, chose the same colors and design theme, and could mimic my actions, then you too would have a great paint job. If not, then no chest puffing.

The simple truth is that a quality paint job is complicated because there are so many diverse elements involved—each could be considered so important that any one could make or break you. When viewed and covered as individual elements, however, the process gets a lot less complicated and your chances of a kick ass paint job every time go way up.

With that in mind, I have broken the process into its base elements and tried to provide as much information as I can for each. This makes for a lengthy guide with a lot of dry (not too dry, I hope) text, but it will also make you a much better painter. Let's start with a detailed look at the items you will use like sand paper, primer, and paint, etc, then move on to planning, prep, and so on.

For painting your case, you will need sand paper made for use with water--known as wet sand paper. The water serves several purposes, it lubricates the grit to prevent clogging, it helps prevent heat build up that can damage the paint, and it helps prevent removed material from scratching your paint. For a typical computer case, you will want at least three sheets each of 600, 800, and 1000 grit. If you intend to color sand, add 1200, and 2000 to that list. Finding smaller quantities (less than 50 sheets) for sale online is not always possible, though ebay is a good place to start. Big box hardware stores (The Home Depot) will carry some of the grits you need and, of course, any automotive paint supply house will have it in stock.